NMBM UNVEILS R16.1 MILLION SAFETY FLEET TO STRENGTHEN CRIME AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Published: April 23, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, led by Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and MMC for Safety and Security Cllr. Lawu, has today unveiled a Safety and Security fleet valued at R16.1 million, as part of a broader capital investment exceeding R43 million, to strengthen crime prevention, emergency response, and disaster management across the metro.
The fleet, comprising 20 vehicles already delivered, has been allocated across Metro Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Traffic and Licensing, Security Services, and Disaster Management to improve operational visibility, coordination, and response capability.
The allocation includes two vehicles for Metro Police valued at R555,600, two fire tankers delivered with two additional tankers pending valued at R7.9 million, traffic and licensing vehicles including a VW Transporter, a Mercedes Fuso breakdown truck and two Toyota bakkies valued at R4.45 million, security services vehicles valued at R3.13 million, and three disaster management vehicles valued at R1.75 million.
Additionally, communication equipment to the value of R4.7 million has been delivered, with a further R4.1 million in equipment expected, strengthening coordination across safety services.
The Municipality is also awaiting the delivery of specialised firefighting vehicles valued at R27 million, including a rescue pump and hydraulic platform, which will significantly enhance advanced emergency response capability.
The investment forms part of a targeted programme to improve frontline service delivery, particularly in response to incidents, crime, fires, and disasters, and follows public concern regarding the state of Fire and Emergency Services. The Municipality confirmed that the intervention is aligned to improved planning, expenditure efficiency, and accelerated deployment of critical resources.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said, "This investment is firmly aligned to the priorities of the 7th Administration, building a capable and ethical state, driving inclusive economic growth, and improving the quality of life of our people. It is equally aligned to the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan priorities, particularly strengthening basic service delivery, building safer communities, and positioning Nelson Mandela Bay as a competitive and investable city.
At its core, this is an investment in people’s safety, dignity, and confidence in government. A safer city is a more liveable city, and a more investable city. Through this intervention, we are strengthening our ability to respond effectively, protect communities, and support an environment where both residents and businesses can thrive.”
MMC Lawu added, "This investment strengthens the responsiveness of the Safety and Security Directorate across law enforcement, crime prevention, fire and emergency services, security operations, and disaster management. It enhances our ability to respond to incidents with speed, coordination, and effectiveness.
Our responsibility is clear, when communities face crime, fires, or disasters, the Municipality must be equipped, present, and able to act decisively. These resources are therefore critical tools to ensure that response is not delayed, and that service delivery is felt directly by our communities.”
The Municipality confirmed that the procurement of the fleet was undertaken in full compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act, reinforcing its commitment to transparent, accountable, and value driven public spending.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will continue to prioritise investment in frontline safety services to ensure a more responsive, coordinated, and capable City.
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